Tornado hits Springfield, Mass. (video)

The National Weather Service issues tornado warnings for cities and towns southwest of Boston. Two funnel clouds have been spotted in central Massachusetts.

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The Tuscaloosa News, Dusty Compton, File/AP
In this April 27, 2011 file photo, a tornado moves through Tuscaloosa, Ala. (

A tornado touched down Wednesday afternoon in Springfield, Mass., causing significant damage to buildings in the area.

The National Weather Service has issued tornado warnings for points east of Springfield, including Milford, Millis, Dedham, and points southwest of Boston, Mass.

Two funnel clouds were been spotted at 5 p.m. Wednesday.

When the tornado passed through the city of Springfield, it caused damage to buildings, cars, and trees across an 17-mile area, according to Dennis Leger of the Springfield Fire Department. He said there had been some injuries caused by cars flipping. Cars were reported overturned near Sturbridge, Mass., on Interstate 84, according to Massachusetts State Police.

The storms also include hail and lightning.

As reported previously, much of the East Coast between Philadelphia and Boston, is under a tornado watch until 8 p.m. A watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms.

The National Weather Service says thunderstorms with 70 mph wind gusts and dangerous lightning are possible. There also could be hail measuring about 2 inches in diameter.

The threat of severe weather comes after a stretch of several days of unseasonable heat. Temperatures have soared into the 90s in spots.

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